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Baska Resort Bodrum, Bodrum

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Bodrum

Updated 1 October 2026 · 13 things to do

Pictured: Baska Resort Bodrum

Bodrum is Turkey's glamorous side: whitewashed houses stacked up a hillside, a Crusader castle rising from the harbour, yachts bobbing in the marina and a peninsula of coves and fishing villages stretching out on either side. It has been a holiday address for decades, and it wears the status lightly.

There's real history here too. Ancient Halicarnassus was one of the great cities of the classical world, and the traces are all over town. Add long lunches of meze and fresh fish, and boat days on turquoise water, and you have all the ingredients of a good holiday.

Don't miss

  1. 1Bodrum Castle
  2. 2Gümüşlük
  3. 3A gulet cruise
  4. 4Kos by ferry
  5. 5Meze and rakı

History and the harbour

Bodrum started life as ancient Halicarnassus. The past sits right behind the cafés.

  1. Bodrum Castle

    Landmark

    Bodrum Castle rising above the harbour
    Photo: Serhio Magpie, CC BY 4.0

    The Castle of St Peter, begun by the Knights of St John in the early 15th century, dominates the harbour between its two bays. Inside, it houses a museum of underwater archaeology, with finds from ancient shipwrecks found off the Turkish coast. Climb the towers for views over the town and out to Kos.

    Tip: Go in the cool of the morning and wear shoes with good grip, as the steps are worn.

  2. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

    Landmark

    The excavated ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
    Photo: FollowingHadrian, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The tomb of King Mausolus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the very word mausoleum comes from his name. Little survives beyond foundations and fragments, but a small museum helps you picture what stood here.

  3. Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassus

    Landmark

    The ancient theatre of Halicarnassus above Bodrum
    Photo: Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany, CC BY-SA 2.0

    Carved into the hillside above the town, this 4th-century BC theatre has tiers of stone seats looking out over the harbour. Come at sunset, when the stone glows and you can see Bodrum Castle across the water.

  4. Bodrum Marina and waterfront

    Neighbourhood

    Boats in Bodrum marina
    Photo: Justinianus, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The marina is where Bodrum puts on its show: gleaming yachts, wooden gulets and a lively harbourfront lined with restaurants, bars and shops. Walk the quayside in the evening, then climb into the whitewashed lanes of the old quarter behind.

Bays and beaches

  1. Gümüşlük

    Beach

    The bay at Gümüşlük near Bodrum
    Photo: Koray, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A tiny fishing village west of Bodrum, built beside the ruins of ancient Myndos. Its bay is calm and shallow, there's a little islet just offshore and the waterfront restaurants set tables on the sand. Come for a late lunch and stay for the sunset.

    Tip: Book a table at the water in the evening if you can. The sunset view is the whole point.

  2. Bitez

    Beach

    The beach at Bitez
    Photo: ozzymactom, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A relaxed bay a short drive from Bodrum, with a long, calm beach, mandarin orchards behind and a village feel. It's a popular choice for families and for anyone who wants to try water sports.

  3. Yalıkavak

    Neighbourhood

    Yalıkavak Marina
    Photo: CeeGee, CC0

    The peninsula's smart address, with a big marina, designer boutiques and a stylish waterfront. Old windmills dot the hills above, and the restaurants are among the best on this stretch of coast.

  4. Gümbet

    Beach

    Gümbet Beach
    Photo: Vano111ru, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Just over the hill from Bodrum Town, Gümbet is a busy beach resort with water sports, bars and lively nightlife. It's the party end of the area, and an easy dolmuş ride from the centre.

Out on the water

  1. A gulet cruise

    Activity

    A traditional wooden gulet in Bodrum harbour
    Photo: Chris Mitchell, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The wooden gulet is the classic Aegean sailing boat, and Bodrum is one of the traditional bases for the Blue Voyage, a leisurely cruise along the coast, swimming in quiet bays and eating freshly caught fish on deck. You can join a day trip or go for several nights.

  2. Kos by ferry

    Day trip

    The Greek island of Kos lies a short sea crossing from Bodrum, and ferries make the trip in the day. You can explore its harbour, castle and old town, then return by evening. It's an easy way to add a second country to your holiday.

    Tip: Take your passport and check the entry requirements and ferry times before you go.

Eat, drink and go out

  1. Meze and rakı

    Food

    A plate of Turkish meze
    Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Gokhan assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public domain

    A Turkish table starts with a spread of cold meze: smoky aubergine, garlicky yoghurt, tarama and fresh herbs. It's usually washed down with rakı, an aniseed spirit that turns cloudy when you add water. Order fish to follow, and stay for hours.

  2. A Turkish breakfast

    Food

    A table full of tomatoes, cucumber, olives, cheeses, eggs, honey, jam and warm bread, with glasses of strong tea. It's a proper event, especially on a terrace overlooking the sea, and a fine reason to skip lunch.

  3. Bodrum nightlife

    Nightlife

    Bodrum is known for staying up late. Bars and open-air clubs line the seafront in town, Gümbet is the party strip, and Yalıkavak has a smarter, more cocktail-led scene. Things start late and go on until the early hours.

Where to stay in Bodrum

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Bodrum →

Getting around

Dolmuş minibuses link Bodrum with the bays and villages around the peninsula and are cheap and frequent. Taxis fill the gaps, and a hire car is useful if you want to explore the quieter coves.

When to go

Summer is hot and lively, ideal for beach and boat holidays. May, June, September and October are warm and quieter, with the sea still comfortable for swimming. Winters are mild but many beach places close.

Questions about visiting Bodrum

What is Bodrum best known for?
Its Crusader castle, a glamorous marina, gulet cruises, beaches and bays, and nightlife, on the site of ancient Halicarnassus and the Mausoleum.
Is Bodrum worth visiting?
Yes. It combines history, beaches, boat trips and good food in one compact, sunny destination, and is easy to reach from the UK.
What is there to do in Bodrum with kids?
Calm bays such as Bitez, boat trips on a gulet, the castle and a day out to Kos work well for families.
How many days do you need in Bodrum?
A week is ideal for a mix of beach days, a boat trip, the castle and a day in Kos. Ten days lets you explore the peninsula at leisure.
Do you need a car in Bodrum?
Not really. Dolmuş minibuses and taxis link the town and bays, though a hire car helps if you want quieter coves.

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